Dwayne Johnson teams with Will Ferrell for wrestling comedy

Dwayne Johnson is returning to his wrestling roots for a new TV comedy based on his early career as The Rock.

The Furious 7 star has successfully established himself as an actor and producer after rising to fame in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ring, but now he's set to revisit the old days to lift storylines from his time as a wrestler for his new TV project.

He is teaming up with funnyman Will Ferrell to develop the series, which will focus on The Rock's friendship with awkward former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz.

In a statement announcing the news, Johnson writes: "This November will mark the 20th anniversary of my professional wrestling debut. I was 24 years old, putting in the hard work, making 40 bucks per match and had no clue of the long journey that lay ahead of me with characters and backstage stories so colorful you'd think there's no way that can be true.

"The entertaining show that goes on in front of the crowd pales in comparison to the insanely entertaining show that goes on backstage. Brian and myself can't wait to tell our stories."

Gewirtz now works with Johnson at his Seven Bucks Productions vehicle, through which the star will executive produce the project.

Ferrell and his director pal Adam McKay will also serve as executive producers for their Gary Sanchez Productions firm.

The Last Exorcism co-writer Andrew Gurland will pen the pilot's script for America's Fox network.